Per Butch [Jones], Howard is on an indefinite "leave of absence" from the team to deal with personal issues. He does not anticipate Howard practicing this spring, and the future is definitely uncertain.

Butch said this is a case where "the game of life" supersedes the game of football.

Tennessee will hold the first of 15 spring practice sessions on Friday.

Howard, who is cousins with former Alabama defensive back HaHa Clinton-Dix, led the Volunteers with 44 receptions in 2013 with three touchdowns.